How to Evaluate Gear

How to Evaluate Gear

Author: BLISTER September 18, 2026 Duration: 50:36
At Blister Summit 2026, we had professional athletes & product developers talk with Jonathan about their own approaches and best tips for how to evaluate gear. You'll hear from Chris Rubens (Atomic); Lauren Samuels (Salomon); Shane Chappell (Burton); and Will Ritter (Spark R&D).  Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  DraftKings.com - code Blister Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Blister Summit 2027: Save the Date (1:41) Winter Buyer’s Guide Update (2:20) BLISTER+ News (3:02) Panelists’ Experience Testing Gear (5:07) Process of Testing (12:45) The Value of Breaking Things (17:13) Rubens’ Approach to Testing (19:45) Declaring it ‘Done’ & Releasing to the Public (22:31) Consensus on Testing Results / Lack Thereof (25:36) Best Tips for How to Test Gear (27:25) Audience Questions (40:08) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Luke & Jonathan: More Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Luke and Jonathan compare notes on a number of skis they got on at the Blister Summit; confess some crimes; and offer one public service announcement. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, t…
Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close…
Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from…